A guide to creating a stylish, sustainable look this Diwali

By Riddhi Doshi

When Korean actor Jung Hae-in says, “The planet is sick”, while riding a bicycle to his office, in the recent, popular K-drama Love Next Door, his words hit hard. He makes you realize that we all need to do our bit to help the planet and make sustainable choices every day, even during festivals.

So, this Diwali, let’s go eco-friendly and put together a gorgeous, festive look with earth-friendly brands. Ivory Station has curated a list of conscious fashion, make-up, shoes and jewellery brands that neither compromise on quality and style, nor on their commitment to help the planet.

Fashion

1. On top of our list is Raw Mango’s new collection, Garland – Festive 2024. It explores the jhol of floral toran, the construction of knotted and braided malas, and those depicted on Mauryan statues. The motifs are highlighted through the brand’s introduction of embroidery on brocade, and contrast colour appliqué. The collection has lehengas, saris, and kurtas in colours including gulkand rani – inspired by desi gulab, petal pink from lotus, the perfect mogra white, and raw green mango leaves.

2. If you are looking for western and indo-western silhouettes, especially ghagras with a slit, paired with a corset, designer Vaishali S’ collection Satori could be an option. The title ‘Satori’ comes from Zen Buddhism philosophy of mindfulness and conscious living, leading to a state of clarity and peace. It is a blend of traditional Indian aesthetics with modern minimalism to reflect the principles of simplicity, balance, and harmony. The colours are shades of deep white, soft beige, and light grey. Accents of deep indigo, rich burgundy, and gold are used to signify enlightenment and spiritual richness. Natural silks, and fine cottons have been chosen for their purity and quality. The silhouettes are clean and streamlined, with an emphasis on flowing lines and drapery that suggest movement and freedom. Most garments feature – Ta’wis (amulets): signs of hope made with leftovers from different collections and hand weaves from across states of India, a hymn to unity in diversity.

3. Ekaya Banaras is one of India’s first luxury, handloom brands known for preserving the tradition of Banarasi textile. It’s recent collection Bhawna Sharma X Ekaya is fun, eccentric and chic and pushes the boundaries of handloom design. It reimagines traditional Banarasi designs with houndstooth, polka dots, stripes and other patterns.

4. Designer Anavila Mishra’s AYANAM, which translates to journey in Tamil, is a textile collection inspired by the grand heritage of Chettinad, Tamil Nadu. The collection weaves together the elegant aesthetics of grand mansions with elements of classical architecture from Europe, gemstones from Burma, and Minton tiles that inspired the famous Athangudi tiles. The metallic textiles paint a festive narrative on a subtle canvas of clean silhouettes. The apparel range showcases safari jacket sets and skirts influenced by Dravidian drapes.

5. Raag is Kavana’s yet another sustainable collection in linen, which is handcrafted. Every saree and kurta set comes in vibrant colours, minimal and intricate designs and soothing textures.

6. 2112 Saldon from Leh, in Ladakh, stands out for its design, which is deeply rooted in Ladakhi traditions. The label’s collection of sarees, kurta sets, trench coats and dresses play with fuchsia pink, ochre yellow and emerald green in pashmina, yak, and camel and sheep wool.

7. Akaaro’s sarees, sharara, blouses, tunics, lehengas and dupattas are all hand-woven. One of the highlights from the brand’s collection is shiny and glamorous metallic sarees in shades of golden, red, yellow and green. They are apt for Diwali.

Shoes

1. Paaduks makes its shoes from recycled, discarded tyres and recycled cork and PET bottles. Their minimal sandals for men and women are all-season. There is no need to buy a different pair for every season.

2. Saree Sneakers are sneakers with beautiful handwork, zardozi and chikankari work, apt to wear with a saree or any other traditional Indian or Indo-western silhouettes.

3. Ethical Rani is a PETA-approved (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) jutti brand, which is completely hand-crafted. These come in various different colours, from black to rani pink, red, blue, green and more and are crafted with mirrors, zaris and gota patti.

Jewellery

1. Hand-painted and hand-crafted in traditional art forms from Pattachitra to Warli and Dhokra metal craft and Toda embroidery, Zola’s pieces make a bold statement.

2. Baka goes beyond just eco-design, factoring in social, economic and cultural sustainability. It is a slow-designed, contemporary, sustainable, ethically handcrafted jewellery brand that sells rings, necklaces, ear cuffs, chokers, bracelets, etc in contemporary designs, using traditional motifs.

3. If chunky is your style, Eurumme is your brand. It has hand-crafted earrings, chokers, necklaces and hair accessories made from semi-precious stones and metals with plating and electroplating.

4. Completely hand-crafted, mainly hand-woven, including motifs from tribal and other crafts is Okhai’s jewellery – necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets and rings.

5. If you want customized, hand-made jewellery, try Azga. They have minimal necklaces, bracelets and earrings that could be embellished with your initials or your favourite motif.

6. Glass artist Ikroop Dhillon makes stunning glass jewellery in traditional and contemporary design, which can complement your ethnic or indo-western look.

Make-up
1. We recommend Ruby’s Organics natural, silicone-free primer that also doubles as a moisturiser.

2. asa’s refillable lip and cheek tint are an all-time favourite. And now they also have a hundred per cent vegan mascara enriched with natural oils.

3. Soul Tree’s organic, ayurvedic kajals in blue, black, grey, copper and green shades are a must-have. They also have a BB cream, which looks quite tempting.